Las Vegas Sun

Citizens need to focus on issues

Tricia Abbas, North Las Vegas

Wed, Mar 14, 2012 (2 a.m.)

My thanks to David Crowell for a well-written letter, “Agendas distract from issues,” on March 12. His perspective was exactly right. I do hope more people come to understand the corrosive societal effects that surface and undermine our potential for greatness when we permit misinformation to define our conversations. Emotions generated by false accusations and misinformation could be better spent working to generate productivity (that comes best through unity, honesty and understanding).

As it is, there are many Americans who won’t believe facts when facts are presented to them. We are so conditioned to take sides against one another that we are afraid to look at a problem from different perspectives. National success starts by giving voice to many perspectives.

Talk to each other, and more important, listen. Then, give your favorite legislator permission to hear her/his opponent’s view. Elected officials follow our lead more than we are willing to accept. First “be the change you want to see in this world,” then expect your legislators and neighbors to follow suit.